By: Paavna Rangarajan
The 3rd Monday of January (January 17th for 2022) is a very important day where Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy and achievements are honored and praised. A hero to many his nonviolent actions brought justice and hope to millions. This January 17th celebrates the significance of his efforts to end racial segregation by finding the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (African-American civil rights organization) in 1957 and leading a March in Washington in 1963 in which he delivered his most famous speech “I have a dream.” This speech is King’s vision on ending racism and bringing forth civil and economic rights to people of color.
Unfortunately, he was assassinated on April 4th, 1968 but his brave actions led to many effects. The Civil Rights Act, which allowed for the prohibition of discrimination in public accommodations, facilities, and employment in 1964 and allowed for the Voting Rights Acts of 1965 were both adopted due to his bravery. And for his virtue and generosity, he was gifted many awards such as the Nobel Peace Prize & Presidential Medal of Freedom. We celebrate this day not only to carry forward his legacy but also to remind ourselves of his brave actions to bring equality and freedom.
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